BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for June 30 – July 6

Dancing on the Edge, a 24th annual footwork fest, takes place at various Vancouver venues from July 5 to 14

What to do in BC this week

Celebrate Diversity at Burnaby’s Multicultural Fest – June 30
It takes all kinds to make a world. That’s the message behind Burnaby’s Multicultural Fest on June 30 at Bonsor Recreation Complex (6550 Bonsor Ave). Parties don’t get much more PC than this, as Burnaby’s cultural diversity is celebrated with an afternoon full of live entertainment, international eats and kids’ crafts. Drop by this free community carnival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 604-297-4597 for details.

Celebrate Canada Day in the Capital – June 30 – July 1
Wondering where to celebrate Canada Day this year? That’s easy: Victoria is throwing the biggest birthday bash on Vancouver Island — a two-day, dawn-to-dusk party that includes an international food village, kids’ entertainers, fireworks and live music from acclaimed Canadian artists such as Radio Radio, The Crooked Brothers, Gold and Youth and Terry-Lynn Williams-Davidson. Held at Victoria’s Inner Harbour on June 30 and July 1, this free annual festival is expected to attract 50,000 revelers for the city’s “most culturally dynamic, environmentally and family-friendly Canada Day celebration to date.” Plus, you’ll even have a chance to demonstrate your national pride by participating in a “Living Flag” human art piece on the lawns of the BC Legislature!

Party at the Golden Spike Days Festival – June 30 – July 2
A long-weekend’s worth of fun awaits at the 31st annual Golden Spike Days Festival, where more than 45,000 people are expected to party it up at Rocky Point Park (2800 Murray St, Port Moody) from June 30 to July 2. The all-ages action includes everything from nightly concerts, high-flying bike stunts and ecological boat tours to an Inlet run, spike-driving competitions and a road-hockey tourney. No wonder the festival’s tagline is “It’s a Family Affair!”

Celebrate Canada’s Birthday at the Steveston Salmon Festival – July 1
“Canada’s biggest little birthday party since 1945.” That’s the short-version summary of the 67th annual Steveston Salmon Festival, a full-day affair that does way more than just celebrate seafood. Yes, there’s a big salmon barbecue, but there are also a craft fair, carnival rides, martial arts demos, food fair and a youth rock fest. The action kicks off with a 10 a.m. parade through the historic fishing village before concluding on Railway Avenue, where opening ceremonies — and a requisite singing of “O Canada” — will unfold on the main stage starting at noon.

Join the Canada Day Fun at Cloverdale Millenium Amphitheatre – July 1
Surrey has a reputation — for holding one of the country’s biggest Canada Day parties! On July 1, the fun unfolds at Cloverdale Millennium Amphitheatre (176 St & 64 Ave) with a full day of musical performances from the likes of the Sam Roberts Band and Hannah Georgas. This free, all-ages affair, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., includes a marketplace, midway, food fair, kids’ world and fireworks finale.

Go Wild at the Kokoro Dance – July 1 – 2
Locals know there’s no shortage of things to see at Wreck Beach, the first and largest clothing-optional beach in Canada. But we’re betting you won’t see anything more interesting than Wreck Beach Butoh, where nude dancers in full-body makeup explore the relationship between humans and the environment. This 17th annual instalment by Kokoro Dance takes place on July 1 and 2, at 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., respectively, at the foot of the No. 4 Trail. Admission is by a suggested donation of $5.

Catch the Pacific Rim Summer Festival – July 1 – 15
If a trip to Tofino sounds like music to your ears, you’re right. The seaside town is set to be the backdrop for the 24th annual Pacific Rim Summer Festival, taking place from July 1 to 15 with concerts by familiar faves like Barney Bentall and Jaffa Road to international acts ranging from Cuban pianists to Australian reggae artists. And that doesn’t even include the Canada Day festivities, street dancing, art shows, ballet performances and cinema under the stars, too! Check it out at various venues in Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

See Dance on the Edge – July 5 – 14
When it comes to cutting-edge choreography, it’s hard to top Dancing on the Edge, a 24th annual footwork fest taking place at various Vancouver venues from July 5 to 14. That’s because troupes of contemporary dancers promise to take their art to the edge in close to 20 different performances, including site-specific works at Queen Elizabeth Park, Victory Square, Firehall Arts Centre and the Vancouver Public Library. Tickets start from $22 at 604-689-0926.

Devour Indian Dishes at the Indian Summer Festival – July 5 – 15
Proof that last year’s inaugural Indian Summer Festival was a big hit? It’s back for a repeat engagement at the Woodward’s complex in Vancouver (111 & 149 W. Hastings St) from July 5 to 15. Like an international battle of the brains, it pits Indian experts against their Canadian counterparts in fields as diverse as Buddhism and Bollywood or literature and cuisine. Check out this merging of the minds in more than 20 different events, including a Well-Being Weekend featuring workshops on yoga, meditation, pranayama and nutrition. For tickets call 604-684-2787.

Catch a Concert at the Vancouver Island MusicFest – July 6 – 8
Think all the action on Vancouver Island happens in Victoria? Think again. Every summer, the Vancouver Island MusicFest puts the seaside city of Comox on the cultural map. Held from July 6 to 8, this weekend roundup spotlights roots and world beats with dozens of award-winning performers, including k.d. lang, Emmylou Harris, The Be Good Tanyas, Richard Thompson and The Sheepdogs. And if that’s not music enough to your ears, you’ll also find a beer garden, food vendors, arts exhibitions, a kids’ zone and riverside camping, all at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds.

Compete at the Tour de Delta, one of Canada’s Biggest Bike Races – July 6 – 8
Planning on spinning your wheels this long weekend? You’re in good company. Pro riders are gearing up to do just that at Tour de Delta, a 12th annual bicycle blitz taking place from July 6 to 8. The city’s streets will pave the way for one of Canada’s biggest bike races, where North America’s top riders battle wheel-to-wheel for more than $25,000 in prizes.

Do Yoga Outdoors – Sunday Mornings
You know how yoga studios can sometimes smell funky? You won’t have to worry about any of that at the outdoor yoga classes held on the grounds of CedarCreek Estate Winery (5445 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna), overlooking Okanagan Lake. The hour-long Sunday morning sessions, led by talented instructors from Oranj Fitness, are followed by a mouth-watering brunch at the Vineyard Terrace Restaurant. Purchase tickets, priced at $25 per person plus tax, at the CedarCreek wine shop or by phone at 250-764-8866 (extension 102). Classes run every Sunday from 9:30 a.m to noon, until August 26.

Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.